Tuesday, October 16, 2012

I guess I really liked elbow patches last year because all of the chunky cardigans I pull out of my closet have one. I'm not complaining - just pointing out the obvious is all. I always get so confused as to what I should wear to Tyler's family gatherings. I tend to overdress on a daily basis or wear an outfit completely inappropriate for the occasion, which includes family events. Now my family, they're 100% used to my wardrobe choices and don't think twice when I show up in heels and shorts for a Sunday dinner. Other families - I'm not so sure. I like to think Tyler's fam jam is now used to my style, but this particular BBQ outfit was a safe call on my end due to the attendance of family friends I've never met. Button down, jeans, cardigan and boots seemed to be a universally appropriate outfit for first impressions. Do you have any "first impression fool proof outfits" as a go-to for these types of occasions?

Anywho, there's my Tuesday morning rambling. Hope you have a good one and see you back here tomorrow!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Happy Friday everyone! I hope your week went well and you have fun things planned for this beautiful weekend! I'm SO excited to finally visit Brown County tomorrow with Tyler and some friends! Tyler has informed me of our {tentative} plans for the day and I couldn't be happier with what's in store! Of course, expect a blog post about it in the next couple of weeks.

We're at that perfect time where the trees have changed and the leaves are still holding on. It's hard not to be inspired by the beautiful scenery and it definitely feels like fall. I've been bundling up in this sweater {last seen here} and scarf what seem like almost every day. This dress has been in my life for almost four years. I snagged it off the H&M sale rack for $10 while visiting Indy the Christmas of my senior year. It's dainty floral print and tiered ruffles make this dress super feminine, but pairing it with more masculine pieces like this Grandpa sweater and brogues creates a nice balance. When in doubt, throw on a sweater with elbow patches.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

NYC feels like it was forever ago. Tyler and I couldn't have asked for better company and hospitality in the big city. It was a big step for "us" being able to meet each other's high school and college friends. Since I'm from the West Coast, he's barely met any of the girls and guys that played a huge part in my life. You can tell stories about them, but it's just not the same. I'm grateful he was able to witness the wonderful, hot messes we really are and even more grateful he's accepting of it.

Some of these pictures are from the day I met up with my high school and college friend, Danielle, as well as a couple fabulous ASU DG's, Jessica and Kendall. What I thought was going to be a quick bite to eat, turned into a boozey brunch at Poco. Several glasses of sangria and horseradish bloody mary's later, we stumbled into a beautiful secret garden and determined a drunken photo shoot was necessary. Since my plans for shopping went out the window after the second sangria, we ended up meeting Tyler and his buddies at McSorley's Old Ale House. This bar dates back to 1854 and obviously has a lot of history {read good ole' wiki here if interested}. In regards to beer, you have the option of "light or dark" - nothing fancy - and a round consists of two beers per person. I thought I ordered two beers by accident, but turns out that it's just their standard. After we finished a couple more rounds, I parted ways with the girls and continued on to Big Gay Ice Cream Shop. Needless to say, it was the most entertaining treat - EVER. Tyler and I had a hungover date night in Little Italy filled with pasta, more wine, cannolis and espresso before heading to bed early in preparation for shopping the next/last day. We did some quick damage before heading to Times Square and stumbling upon Bouchon Bakery where an obligatory box of macaroons was purchased. Due to a time crunch, we didn't get to indulge in the airy treats until we sat down in the airport - but they were definitely worth the wait This was Tyler's first macaroon experience and I am happy to report it was verrryyy positive.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Aside from my brother, it's been a while since I've done a food post. Please excuse my inconsistency over the past few weeks. Lots of changes have been underway and have taken more of my time than expected. Also, this week and next week are packed full of Indy fashion events, so again, my absence may be growing a little more and more. I'm struggling to find a balance/motivation to sit and dedicate time to all of you, but I'm sure I'll find my groove really soon. Can you all bear with me?!

Now on to the really important stuff...food! I kick myself for not posting this recipe earlier when most of you had more fresh fruit than you knew what to do with, but this salsa is a staple in my house and I had to share! It's an explosion of different flavors that somehow marry together and create a fresh, citrusy garnish that has me {and the hungry bellies it feeds} wanting more and more. I tend to make more than I need, but somehow always find ways to utilize it in different dishes. If you can get your hands on a couple luscious tomatoes and mangos, you MUST try this salsa! It's incredibly easy to make and pretty hard to screw up. I know that's an attractive quality in a recipe for my not-so-great-chef-wannabes reading this. Enjoy!

Makes 1 1/2 Cups {pictures show ~3 Cups}

Ingredients

1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

1/2 medium red onion, diced

1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced

2 ripe tomatoes, deseeded and diced

2 kiwi, deseeded and diced

2 1/2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped

2 tsp red pepper flakes

1Tbsp lime juice

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the ingredients as you like {more red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, cilantro, etc.} then cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Mango salsa complements fish* and chicken then best.

Hope you enjoy and please let me know how you use it! I love new ideas!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed Cory's Caprese Pizza guest post yesterday! He inspired Tyler and I to whip up a pizza of our own last night. If only I had that beautiful garden to pick from though! Maybe someday, right?! Thanks again Cory and I hope you'll be making an appearance again on here soon!

I wore this outfit for work last week, but my midriff wasn't showing. Once I stepped outside the building all bets were off and I knotted my top just a little higher. It reminded me of when I was in high school and used to leave my house in one outfit before heading to a friend's and changing into a more risqué one. Anyone else remember doing that too?! I was pretty notorious for it, especially when it came to Halloween. Sorry, mom {even though you're aware this happened due to picture evidence you discovered way back when}.

Like I said in my last outfit post, I will wear my summery items until they just can't be worn any longer. It's inevitable sandals will have to rest peacefully on its shelf once snow shows its pretty - yet deceiving - face, but I'm still not sure if this maxi skirt needs to hibernate for the winter. It was recently rediscovered {I've said this about one too many items recently} and hundreds of winter outfit ideas have been running through my mind since. Over the next four to five months, I'm thinking it will develop a great relationship with boots, sweaters, hidden leggings and faux fur. I'll let you know how the love story turns out.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Aloha! I am Allie's big, but not biggest brother, Cory. I have the severe misfortune of being stationed in Kauai with the U.S. Coast Guard. I know, what a drag. However, there are some upsides to being here on the Garden Isle. 1) We have a year round growing season for backyard vegetables. 2) I surf everyday of the week which allows me to eat and drink whatever the hell I want! BONUS!

Ole Allie Pallie asked me last week if I wouldn't mind guest writing on the Bubble and I said yes of course. Allie and I have been blessed with a family who enjoy the most important things in life...food, drink, family, and friends. I have determined throughout the years that the freshest ingredients, and the most homemade of flavors are the key to producing ridiculously good food. So I have taken up baking! Why? Lotsa folks know how to make a really good burger, awesome pasta, or killer carnitas, but then they go and wrap those epic pieces of flesh in store bought flavorless bread. Ughhh! What a let down. So let me share the basic recipe that I use for bread, buns, tortillas, and today's pizza dough. To top this dough?...my wife's homemade backyard pesto and homegrown tomatoes.

1. In a measuring cup add sugar, then water, then yeast. Allow yeast to eat up and activate.2. In a mixing bowl add salt to flour and mix. Then cut in olive oil.3. Mix water/yeast slurry into flour. Add water as needed to reach soft but not sticky dough ball.3. Knead for 3-5 minutes.4. Coat dough ball in 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and allow to rise in mixing bowl.5. Preheat grill or oven for blazing a$$ hot6. Roll dough out 1/4 inch thick onto a greased cookie sheet or pizza pan.7. Spread on the ingredients8. Toss the pizza on the grill or in the oven and crack a beer!9. When the crust and cheese start to brown, you can pull the pizza.10. Allow to cool, then slice and go to heaven!

This basic dough recipe was my gateway into baking. You can sub in one cup of whole wheat for a wheat dough. Sub baking powder for yeast, and water for crazy hot water and making tortillas. Sub olive oil for butter, change to cold water, and you have a basic pastry dough. So go crazy, have fun, and eat.Food and drink is fantastic. It unites family and friends and brings smiles to peoples faces. You have to eat everyday, you might as well eat well.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

It's my favorite time of the year in the Midwest. The mornings are brisk, trees are glowing, pumpkins are everywhere, and multi-hued leaves cover the sidewalks. Although mosquitoes are getting their last dinner in and I am without a doubt their main course, I've enjoyed spending time outside roaming the farmer's market, late night bundled boat rides and eating decadent Lindor Truffle s'mores around bonfires. With the exception of today's misty and dreary weather, I love the transition of summer to fall clothing. Basically I'll wear my summer clothes to death until it's just not possible anymore. This means waffle knit cardigans with Grandpa patches go over everything. You'll be seeing this sweater and it's darker twin more than you probably want to over the next couple months. Be prepared.

***

Just a little heads up that my brother Cory will be doing a food guest post on Allie's Bubble tomorrow! He's prepared a yummy dish made from scratch that is sure to be a staple in most households, including my own!